Rape charge soldier in court

The case against Leslie Skinner has been adjourned until Friday

A former soldier has appeared in court accused of indecently assaulting two men and raping another at the Deepcut barracks in Surrey.

Leslie Skinner, 45, of Spafford Close, Marton, Lincolnshire, was charged with one count of male rape and four counts of indecent assault during 1996.

He was also charged with another count of indecent assault against another person between 1996 and 1997.

The offences are alleged to have occurred while Mr Skinner, a former lance corporal, was serving with the Royal Logistics Corp at the Princess Royal Barracks at Deepcut.

No link

Mr Skinner, spoke only to confirm his details during the hearing at Guildford Magistrates' Court.

The allegations came to light as police investigated the deaths of four recruits at the barracks between 1995 and 2002 who died of gunshot wounds.

Police have stressed there is no link between the allegations and the four deaths.

Mr Skinner was released on conditional bail and the case was adjourned until Friday.